Should You DIY That?!
/
I love the subject of DIY. It comes up a lot when I’m talking to clients and friends. TV and social media make home projects look easy and satisfying and often present as the low-budget alternative to hiring a professional or buying it from a store. But should you really do it?!
Today I’m taking a look at some of the most popular DIY projects and spilling the tea on whether or not you should tackle them. Let’s do this!
Accessories. Yes! This is a great place to channel your DIY energy. Since the supplies and tools required to DIY or upcycle accessories are typically minimal, I give this one a big thumbs up! In general, I’m talking about spray painting, hot gluing, and sewing. I especially like this type of DIY because the projects are smaller, can be completed in a shorter timeline, and cost less than some of the bigger projects you may want to tackle. But I’m offering a word of caution, really think about what it will take to DIY that project. If the cost of supplies is more than just buying it premade, is it really worth it?!
Furniture. Maybe. I base this one on the complexity of the piece, available tools, and your skillset. If you’re a seasoned woodworker with access to a woodshop, you don’t need my approval to make a dining table. If, however, you are a total novice and own no tools, take a pass on this one. The same goes for bigger projects that require sewing or tufting. These projects are best left to someone who has been sewing for a while, as sloppy stitching can ruin the final look or structural integrity. And I’m giving a big NO to any furniture made from shipping palettes or concrete blocks. I don’t care what they did on Trading Spaces; it looks cheap and feels even worse. So what’s left?! Painting, staining, and slipcovering are all great DIY projects for a novice.
Painting. YES! No brainer, here. Yes, you can and totally should paint your interior spaces yourself. Consult a professional for any tricky spaces like 2-story walls or vaulted ceilings.
Flooring. Another Maybe. There are so many fun new kinds of flooring that are offered today. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, quick solution, products like peel and stick tile are great options. You can definitely tackle this one on your own. Products that include a snaplock factor are also a great DIY solution for homeowners if you own a saw to make cuts. Professionals should handle things like hardwood and broadloom carpets.
Tile. No. I know they make it look straightforward and fun, but this one is tricky. Tile requires skill to prep, cut, set, and grout. And it’s unforgiving. If you make a bad cut or fail to stager it correctly, it’s going to show. Just say no to DIY-ing tile projects.
Kitchens and/or Remodel Projects. NO. Look, construction is complicated, and there are potential financial, legal, and safety consequences if you mess it up. It’s best to leave this one to the professionals. If you have to get in there and be a part of the process, ask your contractor if you can join in any demo work and/or shadow the installation.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what to tackle and what to outsource in your next project. If you just have to take on those bigger projects, I suggest taking some free classes at your local Lowes or Home Depot and/or asking a professional to do it with you, and remember to wear your safety gear!
